The Atlanta City Council on Monday "agreed to chop two
stories off the 10-story high signs proposed" for the '96 Olympic
and Paralympic Games. The board also voted to reduce the number
of signs from 50 to 25. By a 13-1 vote, the council approved an
ordinance that will reduce the height of the proposed mega-signs
from a maximum of 110 feet to 90 feet tall by 40 feet wide. The
signs must also be removed by October 31, 1996, three months
after the games end. Council member Lee Morris said the
ordinance will not "withstand attack": "My guess is that this
will be struck down in court" (Lyle Harris, ATLANTA CONSTITUTION,
10/4).
STILL PLENTY OF SPACE FOR ADVERTISERS? The signs will be
allowed "at or near athletic venues," and 80% of their content
must include an Olympic message. The Council upheld another
provision allowing advertisers to put up an "unlimited number of
banners and other billboard-sized displays as long as they
contain an Olympic theme" (Lyle Harris, ATLANTA CONSTITUTION,
10/4).